PENTLAND HILLS
The Pentland Hills offer a rugged and dramatic escape just minutes from Edinburgh. This regional park is a sanctuary of rolling moorland, clear reservoirs, and stunning panoramic vistas.
This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of well-maintained trails for walking, cycling, and hill running. It perfectly blends accessibility with a truly wild, Scottish feel.
Most Popular Attractions
The Core Hills & Peaks
Scald Law: The highest point in the Pentland Hills at 579m, offering sweeping views across the range and towards the Firth of Forth.
The Kips (East & West): Two distinctive, rounded peaks forming a popular circuit that provides a moderate, challenging climb.
Carnethy Hill: A prominent hill known for hosting the annual Carnethy 5 hill race, a classic event in the Scottish running calendar.
Allermuir Hill: One of the most accessible major peaks, offering direct views over Edinburgh and a relatively gentle ascent.
Capelaw Hill: A central peak often included in the classic “Four Peaks” walk (along with Harbour Hill, Allermuir, and Caerketton).
Castlelaw Hill: Home to the Castlelaw Hill Fort, an impressive prehistoric settlement, and the nearby firing ranges.
Harbour Hill: A smaller, well-rounded peak often traversed on the way to the larger hills from the Flotterstone area.
Black Hill: A rugged, wilder peak in the south of the range, offering a quiet, less-trafficked hiking experience.
Byres Hill: A smaller hill near the southern end of the range, offering views over the lower farmlands.
Spittal Hill: A hill in the southern section of the range, often included in longer, more remote circular routes.
Reservoirs & Natural Features
Glencorse Reservoir: A picturesque body of water with the historic Glencorse Kirk situated on its northern shore.
Threipmuir Reservoir: Known for the scenic, flat path that runs along its edge, popular with walkers and cyclists.
Harlaw Reservoir: A popular starting point for many walks, with a dedicated car park and easy access to the surrounding hills.
Bonaly Reservoir: A smaller, tranquil reservoir nestled in the hills near the Bonaly access point.
The Water of Leith: The headwaters of this major river system originate in the southern Pentlands, offering secluded walking paths.
The Caerketton Zig-Zags: A distinctive, steep path ascending the side of Caerketton Hill from the Hillend area.
Access Points & Visitor Sites
Flotterstone Visitor Centre: The main hub for the regional park, with parking, public toilets, and a pub, providing access to Glencorse and Logan Burn.
Hillend Ski Centre: The largest dry ski slope in Europe, located on the northern edge of the hills, offering snowsports and a viewing deck.
Bavelaw Castle: A historic, privately owned tower house located near Threipmuir Reservoir, visible from the public path.
Swanston Village: A beautiful, historic conservation village with whitewashed cottages located at the base of the northern Pentlands.
Balerno Village: A western gateway to the hills, offering access to Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs.
Nine Mile Burn: A southern access point, popular for connecting to the more remote trails and West Linton.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to the Summit of Scald Law: Conquer the highest point in the Pentland Hills () for a panoramic view of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside.
Walk the Glencorse Reservoir Loop: Take a moderate, scenic walk around the reservoir, offering beautiful views and a clear path that passes by the historic Glencorse Old Kirk.
Cycle the Regional Park Trails: Bring your mountain bike (or hire one in nearby Edinburgh) and explore the extensive network of bridleways and marked trails, suitable for various skill levels.
Visit the Flotterstone Information Centre: Start your day here to pick up a detailed map, get advice on current trail conditions, and learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
Go Wild Swimming in Threipmuir Reservoir: Brave the chilly Scottish waters for a refreshing swim, following all safety guidelines and respecting the natural environment.
Have a Picnic at Bonaly Country Park: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of the park’s designated areas, with accessible paths and gentle slopes perfect for families.
Birdwatching at Harlaw Reservoir: Bring your binoculars to spot local birdlife, including various waterfowl and raptors, in the quiet, sheltered bays of this reservoir.
Walk the Capital View Walk from Swanston: Start from the charming village of Swanston, famed for its thatched cottages, and follow the path up for an iconic view back towards Edinburgh Castle and the city.
Fish in the Reservoirs: Obtain a permit to fish for brown trout or rainbow trout in reservoirs like Glencorse, Loganlea, or Harlaw.
Visit the National Mining Museum Scotland: While technically just outside the park, it’s a worthwhile cultural detour to explore Scotland’s rich industrial heritage.
Attend a Ranger-Led Guided Walk: Check the Regional Park calendar for seasonal events, often including guided walks focusing on history, geology, or local folklore.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended for Flexibility: While the park is close to Edinburgh, having a car allows you to easily access trailheads that aren’t well-served by public transport (like the West Linton side). Parking is available at main access points (e.g., Flotterstone, Harlaw, Bonaly), but spaces can fill up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport from Edinburgh: The Lothian Bus service provides key access points:
Bus Route 4/15/44: Stops near the Hillend ski centre and Bonaly.
Bus Route 101/102 (Borders Bus): This service runs south and stops at the main Flotterstone entrance, which is the starting point for many popular hikes, including Scald Law.
Cycling: The Pentland Hills are a popular cycling destination. You can easily cycle to the park from Edinburgh’s city centre using cycle paths, then transition to the park’s bridleways.
Be Prepared for the Weather: The weather in the Pentlands can change rapidly. Even in summer, you should carry waterproof outer layers, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Layering is essential for managing temperature changes.
Respect the Land: The park is a working landscape. You will encounter livestock, primarily sheep and cattle. Keep dogs on a leash near farm animals and ensure you close all gates behind you.
The Scottish Midges: During warmer months (especially June to September), you may encounter midges (tiny biting insects) in sheltered, damp areas. Carrying a good insect repellent (like a high DEET or Smidge) is highly recommended.
Leave No Trace: There are very few bins in the park. Be prepared to take all your rubbish home with you to keep the hills pristine.
Hidden Gems
The Bush Estate/Roslin Glen: A lesser-walked area on the park’s eastern edge, offering quieter forest walks and views of the stunning Rosslyn Chapel (made famous by The Da Vinci Code).
The Thieves Road: A historical, ancient track that runs through the heart of the hills, once used by drovers and, as the name suggests, smugglers. It offers a longer, more challenging route.
The Bents: A local term for the undulating grassy slopes characteristic of the Pentland’s lower reaches, providing excellent off-trail walking for those comfortable with navigation.
Swanside Farm Tea Room: A small, family-run farm shop and tea room near the Flotterstone entrance, a perfect spot for post-hike tea and homemade cake.
Local Cuisine: After a hike, look for traditional Scottish pub fare in the small villages surrounding the hills, like West Linton or Penicuik. Expect hearty meals such as steak pie, Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, and a wide selection of local craft ales.
Top Restaurants
The Flotterstone Inn [$20-$40] – A charming, historic pub nestled in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, offering a warm welcome, hearty meals, and a traditional character.
Riccarton Inn [$20-$35] – Situated at the foot of the Pentland Hills, this contemporary yet traditional two-hundred-year-old inn serves homemade, classically Scottish pub food using fresh, local ingredients.
Kinleith Mill [$15-$30] – Located near Juniper Green, this pub provides a classic, old-fashioned British pub atmosphere with a welcoming feel and a menu of traditional pub fare.
Carlyle’s Bar & Kitchen [$15-$25] – A friendly, family-run cafe and kitchen in the heart of Balerno, passionate about simple, fresh food with a Scottish/British focus.
The Balerno Inn [$20-$40] – A local favorite in the village of Balerno, offering traditional pub dining in a community setting, great for a post-walk meal.
The Steading [$20-$35] – Located on the Biggar Road near the hills, this large pub/restaurant offers a good selection of food and a convenient stopping point for visitors.
Ghillie Dhu [$30-$50] – While technically in Edinburgh’s city centre, its commitment to traditional Scottish food and ambiance is worth the short drive from the Pentland’s edge for a true Scottish experience.
The Craigie Hotel Restaurant [$30-$50] – Part of a beautifully refurbished hotel at the foot of the Pentlands, the first-class restaurant offers a blend of quality ingredients and attentive service.
The Scran and Scallie [$40-$60] – Located a short drive into Edinburgh (Stockbridge), this leading gastropub, run by a renowned chef, focuses on exceptional Scottish pub classics with a modern, seasonal twist.
The Free Company [$30-$50] – Located in the Midlothian area near the Pentlands, this spot has a focus on seasonal, Scottish/British cuisine, often promoting a farm-to-fork experience in a unique setting.
The Fletchers Cottage [$30-$50] – A slightly further drive but known for its modern take on Scottish cuisine and focus on local produce in a charming setting near the East Lothian coast, often favoured by locals from the Pentland area looking for a special meal.
The Fetching Fox [$30-$50] – A gastropub located in Kirkliston, a short drive from the Pentland’s northern edge, offering quality food in a tranquil setting, popular for escaping the city.
The Kitchin [$80-$150] – Located a drive into Edinburgh (Leith), this Michelin-starred restaurant is a temple to modern Scottish cuisine, offering an unforgettable ‘From Nature to Plate’ dining experience showcasing the best of Scotland’s larder. (Worthy exception)
Aizle [$70-$120] – A highly-regarded restaurant in Edinburgh (Old Town) focusing on seasonal tasting menus where the ingredients dictate the dishes, representing an elevated, non-traditional Scottish dining. (Worthy exception)
The Witchery by the Castle [$60-$100] – Famous in Edinburgh’s Old Town, this lavish and theatrical restaurant is worth the short drive for its romantic, high-end, and classic Scottish menu, though tourist-aware.
Secret Herb Garden Café & Bistro [$15-$30] – A truly unique experience nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills, dining among grapevines and herbs in a beautiful glasshouse with a menu inspired by fresh, on-site grown produce.
Pentland Hills Cafe Express [$10-$20] – A simple cafe located near the Flotterstone Visitor Centre, perfect for a quick and casual bite, especially known for hikers needing a warm drink and snack.
Cafe 360 [$10-$20] – Located at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, offering casual fare with fantastic views of the surrounding hills, ideal for a relaxed break.
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club Brasserie [$25-$45] – Located slightly north, offering a more formal setting within a grand estate, serving British/European cuisine, often frequented by locals for a special occasion.
Cafe at Jupiter Artland [$15-$30] – A very unique spot near the hills (Wilkieston), offering a bistro experience within the grounds of a contemporary sculpture park, known for quality food and an inspiring setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Panda & Sons: A world-famous hidden gem in Edinburgh’s New Town, disguised as a vintage barbershop. Enter the secret door to find a subterranean bar that serves ‘casually cutting edge’ cocktails using innovative techniques.
Bramble Bar & Lounge: Tucked away beneath a dry cleaners on Queen Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, this bar is known for its cosy, intimate speakeasy atmosphere and meticulously crafted cocktails, drawing locals and industry insiders alike.
Heads & Tales: Located in Edinburgh’s West End, this unique gin bar is home to the Edinburgh Gin distillery. Patrons can enjoy creative cocktails while sitting next to the copper stills.
The Alchemist (St James Quarter): Situated on the fourth floor of the contemporary St James Quarter shopping district in central Edinburgh, this bar offers a theatrical experience with ‘molecular mixology’ and inventive presentation.
The Register Club: A sophisticated and stylish cocktail bar found within The Edinburgh Grand on St Andrew Square in the New Town, offering an elegant setting for drinks and conversation overlooking the square.
Bar Prince (The Balmoral Hotel): Found in the prestigious Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street, this glamorous bar provides a luxurious setting with classic and signature cocktails, fine Champagnes, and an extensive Scotch collection.
Juniper: Located in Edinburgh’s city centre, this bar is known for its creative cocktails and stunning views across the city, featuring a striking copper bar where drinks are crafted to order.
Hey Palu: A modern Italian bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town with a focus on ‘la dolce vita,’ offering snappy spritz variations, negroni flights, and classic cocktails, often accompanied by quality Italian snacks.
Nightcap: A speakeasy-style cocktail lounge located on York Place, near the top of the New Town. It blends modern lighting with reclaimed materials for a unique, captivating ambiance and expertly crafted drinks.
The Voodoo Rooms: Found centrally in Edinburgh’s New Town, this vibrant and luxurious bar is known for its exotic and antique decor, extensive cocktail menu, and various spaces for dining, live music, and club events.
Encore: A sophisticated cocktail bar and lounge hidden beneath the West End Brasserie in Edinburgh’s West End, capturing the essence of 1920s prohibition Paris with a modern twist.
Grand Cru: Located on Hanover Street in the New Town, this spot is dedicated to exquisite drink creation, with expert bartenders crafting bold, flavour-packed cocktails and hosting live DJs for a lively night out.
The Flotterstone Inn: Located right on the A702 Biggar Road near Penicuik, on the very edge of the Pentland Hills, this is a traditional Scottish pub that offers a relaxed atmosphere and is the ideal place for a casual drink after a day of walking, though it is not a dedicated cocktail bar.
Coorie Bar (Dalmahoy Hotel): Found within the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club outside the city centre, this cosy cocktail bar is perfect for ‘nestling’ by a roaring fire, offering a well-stocked selection of fine spirits, whiskies, and cocktails.
The American Bar (Gleneagles Townhouse): An elegant bar on St Andrew Square in the New Town known for its refined atmosphere and an award-winning cocktail menu.
The Bongo Club: A well-established institution in Edinburgh’s Old Town (Cowgate), known for its diverse and underground club scene, featuring everything from hip hop, reggae, and drum & bass to techno and African funk.
Why Not Nightclub: Located on George Street in the New Town, this is one of Edinburgh’s award-winning premier nightclubs, known for its commercial hits, house music, and a large, visually impressive LED dance room.
Cabaret Voltaire: Affectionately known as “Cab Vol” to locals, this club is literally an underground techno haven in Edinburgh’s Old Town (Blair Street), built into old brick arches and celebrated for its focused electronic music scene.
The Liquid Room: A converted venue on Victoria Street near Edinburgh’s Old Town, known for hosting intimate live shows, tribute nights, and dance clubs with a mix of indie, house, and retro music on its main floor and balcony.
Sneaky Pete’s: A legendary but tiny 100-capacity venue tucked away in the Cowgate (Old Town). Despite its small size, it’s globally recognised for its incredible sound system and diverse program of electronic music and live bands.
The Mash House: Split over three floors in the Old Town (Guthrie Street), this venue focuses on electronic music, offering dedicated club nights for the full spectrum of house and techno, and is known for its 5am licence.
La Belle Angele: Located on Hastie’s Close in the Old Town, this club is a large-capacity venue known for being a favourite afterparty spot, hosting a variety of gigs and club nights from rock to electronic music.
The Hive: A popular student-friendly club on Niddry Street (Old Town), open seven days a week until 5 am. It plays a mix of pop, chart, R&B, and electronic music with a reputation for being cheap and cheerful.
CC Blooms: A renowned part of Edinburgh’s gay scene, located in the Greenside/New Town area, operating as a bar and restaurant upstairs with a basement late-night club that pulls in a large, open-minded crowd on weekends.
El Barrio Latino: Situated on Hanover Street in the New Town, this spot offers a passionate and energetic night out with a focus on Latin music, making it a great place to dance and soak up a lively atmosphere.
Banshee Labyrinth: Located on Niddry Street in the Old Town, this is a unique rock-music-orientated bar and club, claiming to be Scotland’s most haunted pub, and open late with a distinct underground vibe.